Mets of the Future: Dominic Smith starting off strong in Triple-A

Future New York Mets first baseman Dominic Smith is off to a hot start in Triple-A and could return to the big leagues sooner than expected.

Before asking ourselves how the New York Mets could even fit Dominic Smith on the big league roster, let’s enjoy what he’s doing down in Triple-A with the Las Vegas 51s. The 22-year-old lefty is off to a good start out in the desert, smashing a home run in his most recent game while slashing .400/.455/.500 in the young season.

If this continues, we could see Smith back with the Mets sooner than later.

It’s only one weekend into the minor league season, but it’s never too early to start getting hyped up about what Smith can do. He’s swinging a hot bat, which even at the major league level, could continue.

Even if he’s tearing covers off baseballs, a promotion for Smith may need to wait. The Mets already have a full five-man bench. Unless they’re willing to carry two first basemen, it’s going to take an Adrian Gonzalez injury or collapse before Smith rejoins New York.

The Mets don’t play any road games against an American League team until early July. So the chance of promoting Smith for a brief period when they need the extra bat won’t happen.

How Smith earns his way back onto the Mets

It will take more than one great weekend for Smith to earn his way back to the majors. He’ll need to hit like this for at least a few weeks. Everything is going well for the Mets right now. Smith’s path to Citi Field is through need.

The Mets may face some tough decisions with the roster. Smith will need to build a strong case for a call-up. Since it’s the best idea to carry a pair of first base exclusive players, he’s going to need to post numbers he never has before.

In the 49 games appeared in for the Mets last year, Smith did very little to earn a permanent spot on the big league roster. He slashed only .198/.262/.395 and averaged a strikeout per game.

On a positive note, Smith did display his power, launching nine home runs over 183 plate appearances. He also drew 14 walks, a solid number for a guy whose plate discipline wasn’t the best.

Next: Juan Lagares still on the Mets' trade block

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Smith will get another shot with the Mets. Unfortunately for him, he’ll need to find some redemption out in Las Vegas first.